I looked at grandpa and knew that his mind was made. I shrugged and said,"Okay, tell me how.”
Grandpa and I walked towards theCouncil of War. Laddoo trailed behind us, his tail drooping in misery.
The Nile crocodile's jaw dropped insurprise as he saw us. Shantanu was with them, sitting right next to Mayuri.
"What?! How dare you..."he began.
"We have decided to surrender,"grandpa spoke calmly."
O-kay!"whistled the warbler.
Mayuri turned and looked at grandpa.I thought I saw a flicker* of hesitation in her eyes."Surrender what?"she asked in alow voice."
The bond. I've never wanted it and Idon't want it now either. ”Her eyes grew large. A smile spread overher lips.
"My grandson will do it. He does notwant to have anything to do with me afterI told him the truth.”
"Is that so?"she asked, fixing me with apiercing glance.
Not to be cowed down, I said boldly, "Yes.I hate him for what he did and I'm willing to cut him off the bloodline...and after that, do what's necessary.”
"You will order that he be killed?"asked the Nile crocodile eagerly. "That's how you destroy the bloodline you know...you cannot do it in any other way.
"I swallowed hard and said, "Yes.”
The mammoth looked a bit uncomfortable with the proceedings, but the others couldhardly stop smiling.
"I will do it!"said Shantanu suddenly. His eyes were leery and I could see that he could hardly contain his excitement. He came close to me and openedhis palm. It was a thorn with a smallbulge at the end."
It's a fastacting poison. It will finish him off in no time. ”Grandpal o oke d atShantanu and nodded. "Yes,that will do very well.”
Without hesitating, heplunged it deep into grandpa'svein. He uttereda low moanand fell to the ground. Laddoo watched him warily.
Shantanu was beaming*. His eyes shonewith excitement. "Now the secret of Anunirvawill forever be mine!"he declared.
